FORTE, DIBENEDETTO & MAROHN TO COMPETE IN THE GODFATHER PACE

Tue, 08/14/2012 - 12:01pm -- swiles

Though Monticello Raceway is yet to hear from Cat Manzi or Ed Lohmeyer about their possible participation in the tracks sixth Heritage Drivers Series preliminary leg, the Godfather Pace for drivers of Italian extraction which will be presented on Monday, August 27th , acceptance calls have recently come from Mike Forte, Kyle DiBenedetto and Jimmy Marohn.

Forte , who is having one of his best seasons already has reined 157 winners and is challenging for leading driver honors here at the Mighty M. In his career Forte has driven 3151 horses to victory.

Joining Forte in the line-up is former two-time Monticello Raceway driving champion Kyle DiBenedetto. During the seasons of 1987and 1998 DiBenedetto topped the drivers leaderboard and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since.

Thus far this season DiBenedetto has driven 127 and in his illustrious career the 45 year old Honsedale, Pa resident has recorded 5557 driving victories.

But the Godfather Pace defending champion is Jimmy Marohn—his mom is the former Bridget Circo—and not only is the ‘Mighty Mite’ the defending champ he is a two-time Godfather Pace winner. He’ll bring his 5319 career wins with him.

Other possible local talent of Italian extraction that may join the fray is Greg Annaloro. He has returned to action at the Mighty M and has reined 32 winners here this season from a limited amount of starts. If Annaloro joins in he’ll bring his 2172 lifetime winners with him.

The tracks director of racing Eric Warner said he also has confirmation from Matt Zuccarello but he will still will need eight drivers to have a complete field in the Godfather Pace.

The winner of the race for drivers of Italian heritage will join winners of the previous ethnic races in the series finale dubbed the All-America Cup later this fall.

Drivers of Italian heritage who may be interested in competing in the race are urged to call Warner at the racing office at 845-794-4100x557. Or they can contact the tracks publicity department at extension 455.